A series of gruesome videos discovered on a suspect’s mobile phone has led to new, severe charges against an organized crime group allegedly operating in Larnaca.
The details, which police described as resembling a “crime movie script,” involve the abduction and torture of individuals in a specific room linked to a 48-year-old. The suspect is already in custody for a separate shooting incident on January 17. The group is also allegedly connected to a protection racket targeting local businessmen.
The 48-year-old and a 27-year-old were brought before the Famagusta District Court in Paralimni under heavy security. A third suspect remains at large and is also wanted for the previous shooting.
The suspects face 14 serious charges, including:
- Conspiracy to commit a felony
- Illegal possession and transport of a firearm
- Abduction and torture
- Inflicting grievous bodily harm
- Carrying a weapon to incite terror
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that police seized the 48-year-old’s phone following his arrest in January. On it, they found videos and photos showing seven individuals held against their will in a first-floor room.
The footage reportedly shows the 48-year-old and the wanted suspect beating the victims with their hands and various objects. In one disturbing scene described in court, the 48-year-old is seen holding a pistol and placing it inside the mouth of one of the captives. Another video allegedly shows the 27-year-old suspect asking a victim for money before striking him in the face, causing him to fall from his chair in tears. The wanted suspect is also seen using a belt to strike a victim’s lips until they bled.
The 48-year-old did not object to his detention but launched an outburst in court, claiming he was a victim of an attempted murder.
«Did you do anything about those who tried to murder me? They are saying names. You know who it is. Did you do anything? And now you come here bringing videos?» he shouted, naming an individual he claims was behind the alleged attempt on his life. The lead investigator responded that the suspect would have the opportunity to make a full statement during questioning.
